Walnut Rugelach

Walnut rugelach is a delightful and traditional Jewish pastry that is widely enjoyed for its flaky, buttery dough and sweet, nutty filling. This delectable treat has its origins in Eastern Europe and is a popular dessert during Jewish holidays and celebrations. The name "rugelach" comes from the Yiddish word "rugel," which means "wrinkle" or "fold," and refers to the crescent shape of the pastry.

Walnut Rugelach
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Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Additional Time:

4 hrs

Total Time:

4 hrs 45 mins

Servings:

36

Yield:

3 dozen rugelach

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup white sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
1 egg yolk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg white
1 cup ground walnuts
½ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar, or more as needed

Directions

Step 1

Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together onto a sheet of waxed paper.

Step 2

Beat 1/4 cup white sugar, butter, and cream cheese together in a bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla.

Step 3

Stir flour mixture into butter mixture until dough is just combined. Divide dough into 3 equal portions; shape each portion into a disk, wrap disks in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4

Beat egg white in a bowl with an electric mixture until frothy. Mix walnuts and 1/2 cup white sugar into egg white.

Step 5

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 6

Remove dough from plastic wrap and roll each disk out into a 7-inch circle. Spread 1/3 the egg white mixture onto each dough circle, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edge of each circle. Cut each circle into 12 wedges. Roll up each wedge from the edge to the point and place, point-side down, on a baking sheet.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool and dust with confectioners' sugar.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

62

Calories

3g

Fat

8g

Carbs

1g

Protein

Complement

The classic walnut rugelach features a rich and tender dough that is rolled out and filled with a mixture of ground walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. The dough is then rolled into a log, sliced into individual pieces, and baked to golden perfection. The resulting rugelach is a delightful combination of crisp, flaky layers and a sweet, nutty filling that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee for breakfast or as a sweet ending to a meal, walnut rugelach is a beloved pastry that has stood the test of time and continues to bring joy to those who indulge in its deliciousness.